Sunderland's impressive form under Martin O'Neill continued as a strike from James McClean secured them all three points against 10-man Stoke on a wintry afternoon. But Tony Pulis was far from happy, indicating that City will appeal against Robert Huth's sending‑off and suggesting that David Meyler play-acted, leading to the red card.

The Stoke manager said: "I have watched it twice now. Robert has committed himself and then pulled out of the challenge, and he hasn't touched the kid at all. The disappointing thing for me is – and it has become more ingrained in the game – is the reaction of the player. It is something I think Gordon Taylor and the PFA should really get to grips with."

O'Neill had promoted Meyler to the starting lineup and Fraizer Campbell dropped to the bench. The transfer deadline day loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos were also among the substitutes.

Stoke enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on and, after Cameron Jerome was beaten to Peter Crouch's flick-on by the Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, City won a corner that led to Marc Wilson firing in a low effort which was blocked.

At the end of the half, Huth was dismissed by Martin Atkinson for the sliding challenge on Meyler. Pulis immediately substituted Jermaine Pennant for Jonathan Woodgate.

Sunderland were looking to make their one-man advantage count and, 15 minutes into the second half, they took the lead.

Stoke continued to press, with Crouch's header being caught by Mignolet and the goalkeeper then got down to save an angled effort from Ricardo Fuller. Sunderland held firm, though.

O'Neill was relieved the game was finished, saying: "Conditions, certainly in the last 20 minutes, were probably borderline." Of Huth's dismissal he said: "I haven't seen it back but my initial view was that I thought it looked as if it was going to be a red card."